Declining since 1996, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Shaheem since 1976
Babies named Shaheem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 20 |
| 1980s | 81 |
| 1990s | 253 |
| 2000s | 213 |
| 2010s | 148 |
| 2020s | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Shaheem is a rare masculine name of uncertain origin, possibly Arabic for 'intelligent,' that has never been common in the United States. First recorded in 1976, its peak year of use was 1997, but usage has been declining since 1996. In 2025, the name ranked 10,695 with a frequency of 1 in 284,679 births. It remains in limited use, primarily within Muslim communities, though it has not concentrated in any particular state. Shaheem's relative obscurity may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with a soft yet strong sound and a potentially meaningful etymology tied to intelligence or keenness, though linguistic evidence is limited.
Shaheem likely originates from Arabic, where the root 'sh-h-m' relates to intelligence and discernment. The name may also be a variant of the Arabic name 'Shahim' or influenced by the Persian 'Shaheen' (meaning 'falcon'). It has been used among Muslim families in South Asia and the diaspora, particularly from the mid-20th century onward, though written records in the United States date only to 1976.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shah, Heem
Sibling names for Shaheem
Names that share Shaheem's style, for a brother or sister.
